Through it all, Simon chronicled his struggle on Twitter with wit and levity - and with his trusty companion:

This isn't allowed in a hospital. Another reason it's good to be rich. http://t.co/Cet3teUkdt

— Sam Simon (@simonsam)

In a world with no shortage of people willing to trample the rights of animals for their own benefit, it's rare to find one person so willing, and even so enthusiastic, to put the welfare of animals above all else. Simon did just that: He spoke up about the battle for his own life - and for the lives of those who can't speak.